Loose parts and risky play: playworker perspectives on facilitating a community-based intervention in local parks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Play encourages physical and social activity creativity, and risk-taking. However, unstructured and risky play is on the decline. Our qualitative study explored the perspectives of Play Ambassadors, who faciliated a community-based loose parts play intervention (‘play hubs’) in Calgary parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using semi-structured interviews with 12 Play Ambassadors, four main topics emerged. Experiences Supporting Unstructured Play reflected how they supported play and their perceptions and observations of the play hubs. Learning to Take Risks in Play reflected how Play Ambassadors’ views on risk and facilitating risky play evolved. Value of the Play Hubs reflected Play Ambassador perspectives on the community and personal impacts of the play hubs. Supporting Play during a Pandemic highlighted the challenges encountered in delivering the play hubs. Our findings suggest that community-based play programs in local parks may be a viable strategy for encouraging play, especially when traditional opportunities are restricted.